I'm a natural-history illustrator and motion graphics designer with a lifelong fascination for all things prehistoric. My clients have included the Natural History Museum (London), The Dinosaur Isle museum (Isle of Wight) and Cambridge Museum of Zoology.

Artist's statement:

These guidelines are my manual for ensuring that all time spent on my palaeo-restorations is done in the spirit of science and for the benefit of all who enjoy these images.

RULE 1: There must always be a purpose. Before beginning a new work, ask yourself "What good will drawing/painting/sculpting this subject do for the wider community?"; "How will my representation of this species teach my audience anything new?".

RULE 2: Context is essential. Why spend so much time and effort getting your subject's physiology right if they then end up standing in an environment that is totally inappropriate, even anachronistic? The purpose of palaeo-art is to inform and educate as well as to enthrall.

RULE 3: If there's no evidence for it, don't include it! There's no point spending precious time painting or sculpting a detail for which there is no evidence. Of course, there are times when this is necessary, but these come often enough in palaeo-art to make it worth avoiding having to invent details if you don't have to.